Line movement: This game opened as pick 'em on Sunday night, but within two hours had reached Cardinals -1.5. By Monday morning, Rams money had found its way into the books, and the line settled at Cardinals -1. The total opened 38, was bet up to 38.5, and by Tuesday afternoon, was up to 39.

Recent meetings:

— 11/27/2011: Arizona 23-20 (Rams -1) at St. Louis

— 11/06/2011: Arizona 19-13 (OT) (Cardinals -2.5) at Arizona

Series trends:

— Cardinals are 6-2 ATS in their last eight visits to St. Louis.

— Favorite is 4-1 ATS in the last five meetings.

— Under is 7-1 in the last eight meetings.

Cardinals outlook: Arizona, which has won 10 of 11 over St. Louis, is a stunning 4-0 thanks to the league’s third-best defense (15.2 points per game). The unit has two or more sacks in 10 straight games, the NFL’s longest active streak. Dynamic LB Daryl Washington is one of four NFL players with at least eight sacks and two interceptions since last season. CB Patrick Peterson returned a punt for a TD in both meetings with St. Louis last year (99 and 80 yards). Kevin Kolb has seized the starting QB job after throwing for 324 yards and three TDs in the overtime win over Miami. Because it’s a short week, starters Darnell Dockett and Todd Heap might not have sufficient time to recover from their injuries.

Cardinals trends:

— Cardinals are 6-0 ATS in their last six games vs. the NFC.

— Cardinals are 1-5 ATS in their last six October games.

— Cardinals are 4-0 ATS in their last four divisional games.

— Under is 17-5 in the last 22 games in which Arizona was a road favorite.

Cardinals’ key injuries:

— TE Todd Heap (knee) questionable

— DE Darnell Dockett (hamstring) questionable

— RB LaRod Stephens-Howling (hip) questionable

— TE Jim Dray (knee) questionable

Rams outlook: The offense isn’t explosive – in fact, it didn’t score a touchdown in Sunday’s 19-13 win over Seattle. But QB Sam Bradford is protecting the ball and making plays when he needs to, as evidenced by five 3rd-down conversions of 10 yards or longer vs. the Seahawks. Kicker Greg Zuerlein is the NFL’s top special teams weapon: he drilled 58- and 60-yard field goals against Seattle and is 12-for-12 this season. Led by Cortland Finnegan (3 INTs), the Rams are first in the NFL with eight picks and rank seventh in stopping opponents on third down, allowing a conversion rate of just 31.1 percent. Opposing QBs have a passer rating of 64.2, second-worst in the league. New coach Jeff Fisher has transformed a lifeless bunch into a gritty team that’s winning close games.

Rams trends:

— Rams are 3-0-1 ATS in their last four home games.

— Rams are 2-6 ATS in their last eight divisional games.

— Under is 15-6-1 in the Rams’ last 22 divisional games.

— Rams are 4-1 ATS in their last five games overall.

Rams’ key injuries:

—DE Eugene Sims (concussion) doubtful

—DT Matthew Conrath (knee) questionable

—S Matt Daniels (hamstring) questionable

—T Rodger Saffold (knee) out

What The Linemakers are saying: The Rams have some good things going for them at home, where they are 2-0 straight-up and against-the-spread. One of the things you like to see from a visiting team is the ability to run the ball, and the Cardinals can't even do that at home. They've averaged only 68 yards per game rushing through four games and are fortunate to be 4-0 despite that inefficiency. We think this will be a low-scoring game, thanks to the defensive-minded leadership of Jeff Fisher, and we also give the edge to the home team here.